COUTURE HISTORY : Burberry
BIRTH OF THE BURBERRY BABY
It was 1856 when a young British draper changed the world. Thomas Burberry was just 21 years old when he started “Burberrys of London,” a small shop in Basingstoke, Hampshire, England dedicated to luxury outdoor attire. With this tiny, industrial, practical store, young Burberry changed the face of British and international fashion forever.
FAST FACTS
1880 –Burberry invents Gabardine, a tough woven fabric that makes the brand famous
1891 – “Burberrys” opens a bigger shop in Haymarket, London.
1901 – The Burberry Knight makes his first appearance!
1914 – Burberry is hired by the War Office to design utilitarian coats for officers and soldiers serving in WWI trenches – and fashionistas everywhere knew a good thing when they saw it. The amazing and iconic Burberry trench is born.
1920’s – The Burberry check appears as the lining of trench coats.
1955 – Burberry is granted a royal warrant from Queen Elizabeth II. Now they’re allowed to design for the royal family, yo!
2001 – Christopher Bailey is named Chief Creative Officer!
AESTHETIC
Burberry is the true definer of classically British style. Since its inception, Burberry’s garments have been simple and elegant, utilitatiran yet completely chic. Burberry has often stuck to a very neutral color palette– tans, creams, browns, smoky greys– but isn’t afraid of color- just look at the adorable mustard and kelly green frocks from the Spring/Summer 2012 runway! It seems that Burberry has long been influenced by the British atmosphere and weather. Its colors, textures, and shilouettes reflect the often-stormy London sky, biting wind, and the romantic mist of rain bouncing from cobblestoned streets. The Burberry woman is classic, romantic, and feminine– yet subtly edgy, luxe, and always on the very top of her game.
A GUIDE TO THE BURBERRY CHECK
- Haymarket: Classic check with Burberry Equestrian Knight
- House: Classic check without Burberry Equestrian Knight
- Nova: The newer and bigger check pattern. Nova check has a cream/tan background with vertical and horizontal black and pink/red stripes
- Supernova: Bigger than Nova check. On a small leather good with Supernova check, usually have only a diagonal stripe but not a whole check
- Exploded: Exploded check usually in metallic colours like silver
[list snatched from Wikipedia]
TRENDS AT PORSUM SS12
- Mix saturated colors and textures!
- Pair high-waisted skirts and trousers with cropped jackets to highlight your fabulous waist
- Collar details add a unique touch of personality to a wardrobe basic
- Basics- like the trench- in new, ladylike neutrals. I absolutely love this gorgeous rose color!
- Wedge sandals! Paired with a longer coat, these fab shoes are an easy, stylish way to transition into spring.
- Belts worn over the coat add a little oomph- and make your curves look amazing.
- Stripes were all over the Porsum Runway- add some in a variety of colors and sizes to your wardrobe for the spring!
- The silhouette of a longer pencil skirt is undeniably feminine and sexy. For shorter ladies, go for a pencil skirt that hits just at or above the knee.
- There is no accessory more fun than sunglasses. I admit, I’m kind of a sunglasses addict, but look at how amazing they are with this look! In addition to being practical, a fun, flirty pair of cat-eye sunglasses (or whatever look you like best) is the perfect finishing touch to any outfit.
BURBERRY LOVIN’
The Burberry Foundation – Established in 2008, The Burberry Foundation pays homage to the brand’s dedication to adventure and exploration by supporting young people in the pursuit of their dreams.
Lisa Eldridge (my most-favorite celeb makeup artist) reviews Burberry Beauty.
Vogue takes a look at Emma Watson’s Burberry shoot from June 2009.
Vogue also shows us the amazing fashions from Porsum Pre-SS2012!
*Runway images thanks to Elle; Burberry Tote and Bailey-Watson images thanks to Burberry.
